7 Most Common Oral Hygiene Myths Debunked

Dr. Gregg Lituchy, DDS clears up some of the most common top teeth myths.

Myth #1: Bleaching works on everyone and lasts forever.
Fact: Sadly, no. Some patients’ teeth don’t bleach evenly. Depending on what bleaching technique you use, you will need touch-ups as little as once a year, or as often as every 3 months. The only sure-fire way to keep a beautiful white smile for years is with porcelain veneers.

Myth #2: Candy causes cavities.
Fact: As an adult, as long as you brush and floss twice a day, you will avoid cavities.

Myth #3: Chewing gum is bad for your teeth.
Fact: Chewing actually stimulates saliva production, which helps flush your mouth of staining foods and beverages.

Myth #4: Whitening toothpastes bleach teeth.
Fact: They don’t. Whitening toothpaste alone is not enough to see a difference and a whiter smile.

Myth #5: Women shouldn’t get their teeth cleaned during pregnancy.
Fact: Pregnant women actually need three cleanings during their 9-month term, due to high estrogen levels.

Myth: A hard-bristle tooth brush is best for removing tartar.
Fact: Brushing too vigorously with a hard-bristle brush may actually cause more problems, such as irritation and erosion of the gums.

Myth #7: Brushing is as good as flossing.
Fact: Wrong! Flossing is a necessary twice-daily step to ensure gums are clean. And, if you’re feeling lazy, do the sake of vanity – flossing dislodges stuck food, which can lead to bad breath.

For more information, visit www.lowenbergandlituchy.com.